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How To Write The Most Outstanding Scholarship Essay

18th February 2022

When applying for scholarships, you know that you’re going to be up against some stiff competition. How can you ensure that your application essay is the one that’s going to grab everyone’s attention? Here’s how to write an essay that will wow the judges and get you that scholarship.

Always Plan In Advance

It’s so tempting to leave the essay to the last minute, but that’s the last thing you want to do. When you do that, the quality of your essay will go down and so you won’t be likely to get the scholarship. Instead, make a calendar and add in all the different deadlines that you’re working towards, so you can see at a glance how much time you have.

Ensure that you get started way before the deadline, too. You could leave it till a day or two before, but when you have more time you have the luxury of working on your essay until you’re sure it’s perfect.

Follow The Instructions

Doesn’t everyone do this? It sounds obvious, but you would be amazed at how many applicants don’t follow the instructions properly. “If the instructions aren’t followed, that application will be rejected right away, and all your hard work will be for nothing,” says Addie Smith, a marketing writer at Big Assignments review and Top essay writing services. “You’ve got to be sure you’re following that prompt correctly to get noticed.”

It’s easier than you’d think to make mistakes at this stage if you haven’t read the instructions correctly. Take your time and really make sure you understand what the essay prompt is asking of you. When you do this, you should be less likely to make a mistake.

Don’t Be Afraid To Use The Same Essay

As you’re applying for multiple scholarships, you’ll see that there are multiple different scholarships that are using the same essay prompt. They’ll often be using the ones from the Common App, such as ‘Discuss a time when you had to overcome an obstacle.2

If you find that the scholarships you’re applying to are using the same prompt, you can use the same essay for them. Remember, they won’t be comparing them, and if they’re using the same prompt you can use the same answer. Make sure you’re still reading the prompt carefully, as the essay may need some tweaking to fit their needs.

Know Your Audience

When writing any scholarship essay, you’ve got to know who your audience is. Every organization that’s giving a scholarship will have different outlooks and ideal candidates. You need to know who they are, and how you fit into that idea of the perfect scholarship student for them.

As such, you’ll want to tailor your essay to suit their ideals. Don’t lose your own voice as you write though, as you don’t want to get lost in who you should be to them. Instead, you’re showing them why you already are the best candidate.

Pick A Topic That You Care About

Writing a scholarship essay isn’t the same as writing one for school. As you’re picking the scholarships you’re applying for, you can pick topics that really speak to you. Make sure you’re going for the scholarships that ask for essays on topics that really interest you. If you’re writing from the heart, then your reader is going to be interested, too.

When you do this, your personality will shine through in your writing. It’s a good way to get ahead and really show the judges who you are.

Create A Strong Outline

When writing your essay, you’ll want an outline that creates structure. “When an essay is well structured, it’s easier to follow,” says business writer Carl Harrington, from Via Writing and Academ Advisor. “That will ensure the reader stays interested.” Write down all your main points in a plan, and then work out how they will flow from one to the other. In the end, you should be able to come to a logical conclusion.

These tips will help you write a strong scholarship essay, that will grab the notice of the judges and get you that scholarship. Plan in advance and use these tips to help you write the best possible essay.

Sara Sparrow is a technical writer and project coordinator at Top Canadian Writers and Simple Grad. She attends tech and marketing conferences and contributes articles online to blogs such as Best essay writing services.

How to Apply to Study in Canada

Content Team

5th March 2021

Canada is a fantastic place to study. Home to some of the world’s top universities, it remains a firm favourite with international students from all over the world. In this article, we’ll explain the Canadian education system, what’s required for your application and the application process.

The Canadian Education System

The education system in Canada is very similar to the system in the U.S. There are publicly-funded and private schools, including community and technical colleges, language and secondary schools, universities and summer schools. This means you’ll have lots of choice when it comes to finding the right institution for you. Like most other countries, universities in Canada offer Bachelors degrees (typically 4-year courses), Masters degrees (an additional 1-2 years), Diplomas, PhDs (of approx. 3 years) and a variety of short courses.

Like the USA, Canada is home to some of the top universities in the world. Canada has 27 universities in the top 1,000 best places to study, with ten ranking in the top 25% (QS World University Rankings 2022).

According to QS 2022, the 10 best universities in Canada are:

1. University of Toronto, Toronto
2. McGill University, Montreal
3. University of British Columbia, Vancouver
4. Université de Montréal, Montreal
5. University of Alberta
6. McMaster University, Hamilton
7. University of Waterloo, Waterloo
8. Western University, London, Canada
9. University of Ottawa, Ottawa
10. University of Calgary, Calgary

Canada is also home to a range of Community Colleges and Technical Colleges (very similar to university colleges), which provide an alternative route to university. These colleges offer a range of qualifications, from two-year associates degrees to four-year bachelors degrees and a range of diplomas and certificates. While each college will differ, Community and Technical Colleges tend to offer a more ‘hands on’ approach to learning, with more technical courses and smaller class sizes than universities.

The skills and qualifications learnt in an associates degree may also transfer into points that can count towards a university degree. This allows international students to start off their education at a smaller community college and ‘transfer’ to a 4-year university after two years. This is a popular route for international students as it boasts lower fees and less stringent entry requirements.

Career colleges, on the other hand, are privately owned institutions offering training programmes designed to provide students with practical training for the world of employment. They have short-term courses to provide students with the skills needed for the workplace, such as computer and secretarial skills. Although the institutions are private, they are approved and regulated by the province to ensure a high-quality standard.

Admission Requirements, Deadlines And… Fees!

To apply for an international degree in Canada, you must tick off two very crucial requirements:

Language proficiency;
Necessary funds to cover your living expenses and tuition fees.

Entry requirements will vary depending on your home country, the course you’re applying for and your chosen institution(s). It’s best to contact your institution directly to find out their specific entry requirements. You may need to prove that your qualifications are comparable in quality to Canadian education, therefore your qualifications might be assessed (there are various agencies that can do this for you – see the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) website for more information on this subject).

Language Proficiency

Depending on the course you choose to go for, you’ll need to submit a proof of proficiency in either French or English. Remember that in Quebec, French is the official language, and the majority of Canadian universities offer courses in both languages.

Institutions will normally have their own requirements for language proficiency in French or English. If neither of these is your first language, you will normally be required to prove your ability through achievement of a certain level in a recognised language test (such as IELTS or TOEFL exams or Cambridge English: Advanced – CAE).

Tuition Fees and Deadlines

It is only natural to assume that international students have to pay higher fees than domestic students. You can find graduate programs at around CAD$6,000, all the way up to CAD$35,000, but there are plenty of opportunities for exceptional learners who can obtain scholarships, grants, bursary options. For more information, check out our article on how much it costs to study in Canada.

In most cases, you will need to apply to an institution directly, either by downloading or requesting an application form, and submitting it with the relevant documents online or via post. Contact your chosen institution directly or visit their website for information about how to apply.

You may have to pay an application fee, depending on the university and program. In Ontario however, you may apply to as many institutions as you like. There is a base application fee of CAD$156 for the first 3 university/program choices, plus CAD$10 for the international service fee. For each additional program choice beyond these, you’ll need to pay CAD$50 per choice. It’s important to know that fees for withdrawn university choices won’t be refunded.

It is advisable to start preparing your application at least a year in advance, though you should ask institutions for their specific application deadlines, as these may vary. For Ontario applications, there is no deadline, but you should apply as soon as it is open in October. Whilst there is no specific deadline, applications received before the ‘Equal Consideration Date’ (usually in February) must be given equal consideration so it is advisable to apply before this date.

Living Expenses

Living expenses can start from 10,000 Canadian Dollars per year study year, even more when applying to study in Quebec – note that this in on top of the tuition fees. Unfortunately, in Canada, you can rely much on what you might gain from working while studying because you’re only allowed to up to 20 hours per week of working (although full-time jobs are permitted during summer breaks).

Staying in Canada after Graduation: Opportunities

If you want to stay in Canada after graduation to live and work, you’ll need to apply for a post-graduation work permit. This will allow you to stay in Canada for up to three years and will make you exempt from Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirements. This means it’ll be easier for employers to hire you. There is a high interest for skilled professionals in all sorts of industries (engineering, graphic design, HR, natural sciences – just to name a few) in Canada, so as long as you keep to your studies and plan to polish your talent within the country.

Good to Know

For any information at all, check constantly the Citizenship and Immigration Canada page to find a Canadian school that can host international students. Also, stay connected to the Universities Canada website to get the most updated statistics on Canadian universities. The legislation, deadlines and fees might change yearly, so keep an eye on these websites before applying. And more importantly, good luck!

How To Perfect Your CV for Employers

Content Team

28th October 2019

What’s the point of a CV? What even is it? The Curriculum Vitae aka resume, bio or generic application. All of these have one purpose: to sell yourself to a potential employer. So what makes you stand out from the monochromatic spiels passing into companies’ hiring departments on a daily basis? A good CV.

General rules (UK specific)

Keep it to 2 pages of A4
Use a reasonable font size e.g. 12, and a generic typography e.g. Arial or Calibri as well as standard formatting
Include key contact details
Ensure it covers key skills, education and employment history, and the details of two referees.

So those are the basic – then comes the more challenging task. You want to ensure that you have fulfilled the criteria that the job advert displays and you also want to avoid clichés. Follow the advice below for future success.

Be creative

Recently on social media, Jamie Laing (founder of Candy Kittens) posted his admiration for a budding intern who had designed her CV to look exactly like a packet of his company’s product. By tailoring her format to the employer she hoped to succeed with she ensured she got noticed – and a boost to her social media following to boot no doubt.

If you are applying to multiple different opportunities, then ensure that you adapt the visuals of your CV to match. A publishing company may be drawn to a design that reads like a story. A restaurateur may appreciate a menu of your employment history. An online outlet may approve of your web-style design. Whoever your target audience is, in the current market it is likely there will be an overwhelming response for the best positions. So go the extra mile and see where it takes you.

Keep it real

We’ve all heard the urban legends of people who’ve lied on their CV and never been caught. The reality? Rigorous checks take place at most companies and therefore you’re likely to end up with a red face. Instead of claiming to be the UK’s answer to Jeff Bezos, be realistic about your experiences and skills.

Having said that, vocabulary is everything. If you’ve worked in retail, you can write about your ‘customer satisfaction experience’ or ‘product placement expertise’. If you volunteered to support younger undergraduates at your university you can divulge your ‘nurturing management style’. Be honest, but ensure you present your skills in the best light. If in doubt, ask a critical friend to read over it and ensure it makes sense.

Additionally, keep the explanations of your competencies linked to factors that make you employable. Avoid generic comments such as: I’m hardworking, I’m a team player, or I’m a quick learner.

Replace them with a more evidence based approach:

During my undergraduate studies, I maintained full time hours in my role in retail as well as volunteering time for younger students.
As a team leader at XYZ, I found that a supportive environment ensured better results.
Whilst studying for my Masters, I took up playing the clarinet and have already achieved Grade XX.

This way, you’re already proving your worth to the employer, and making them want to meet you in person.

Be specific

Peppering the market with CVs may seem like a winning approach to job seeking. But with the job market being an employers’ playground, generic applications are actually a risky choice. Yes, most of the basic information for roles in the same field may be the same. But job applications that have been amended to include key performance indicators extracted from the advert are more likely to be shortlisted. Even more so if a job description is directly catered to in the layout or content of a CV. Taking the time to let the hirer know you want their job rather than any job is a great way to identify yourself as a candidate worth a second look.

Overall, remember:

Be creative

Keep it real

Be specific.

Good luck!

What’s required to be a leader of the future?

Content Team

28th October 2019

What’s required to be a leader of the future?

Leadership: a great power as well as a great responsibility. And in 2019, leadership is what many students aspire to. Following intense workloads as university undergraduates – with many juggling internships, jobs and relationships – students achieve bachelors or foundation degrees and embark into the world of work. The goal? To find a career that is fulfilling obviously. But hopefully, to make steps up the ladder to management and leadership.

Here are a few examples of attributes required to get to the top, and some tips of how to get there yourself. Remember – all of these elements are great to improve your skills but also you will need to write about them in your CV. See our upcoming article on how to improve your CV later this week.

Make and take opportunities

Students understand that often the market is flooded with qualified applicants for a role. How on earth can you stand out? Make opportunities.

Think Mark Zuckerberg. He wanted to capture his classmates’ attention with a networking site. He is now a billionaire entrepreneur and social media magnate. He’s famously said that

“When we are connected, we can do great things.”

…so get connected! Find student groups, organisations and unions that represent your interests and those of your future career. Want to become an artist? Join local gallery tours and volunteer groups such as this. Apply for specific opportunities offered by world class galleries – like this one at London’s Tate Museum. Want to work in charitable organisations? Find your local goodwill or charity shop and lend your time.

Whatever your goal, seek out and forge those opportunities to make yourself standout from the crowd. In itself, this is a skill of great leaders – innovation.

Travel

It may seem counterproductive – or require some creativity on a students’ budget – but travel can make you particularly interesting to hiring managers (not to mention helping you to make friends at the pub too). In order to develop your leadership skills, and demonstrate them to a future employer, make your travel purposeful. You could complete a ‘voluntour’ in which you work with vulnerable people in earthquake ravaged Nepal. You could support animal conservation on the beaches of Guatemala. Whatever you choose to do, you will gain inevitable skills that allow you to work with others in a more constructive way. A journal, in which you note key experiences, may be useful to allow you to embellish your CV with the finer details later to demonstrate your independence.

Sport

Becoming involved in sport is a given for many people attending universities. But had you ever thought of how this could improve your employability in the boardroom? On the pitch (court or field) you will undoubtedly be required to show great discipline – a key attribute of great leaders. Harness that, and apply it in your academic studies and employment too. Additionally, it’s a great way to network and find like-minded people who may one day prove useful in a potential working environment.

Decision making – to be or not to be… a leader?

Some universities now explicitly teach decision making. Most have a student body, run by a union that makes decisions for the majority by an elected few. In order to nurture your ability to make decisions, you could consider becoming involved in such an elective course or by seeking an elected position. If that’s not possible, there are plenty of other ways to identify yourself as a good decision maker. In interviews ensure to exude confidence in your dress, manner and approach.

How can you do this? Mimic those who exude these characteristics. The likelihood is that your academic studies are conducted by experts. Listen to them. Ask questions. Demand the highest achievable results from yourself and utilize the expertise that you are privileged to be exposed to in order to do so. University is a unique opportunity to share airtime with such thinkers – learn their ways and make the most of it.

Shoot for the stars

There are probably a million ways to become a great leader, and yet they are few and far between. Rather than asking why, look around. The answer is fairly straightforward. To become a leader requires more than just a desire for success. It requires hard work. Dedication. Sacrifice. And a little innovation, independence, discipline, confidence – paired with good luck.

Avoiding Freshers’ Flu…and other tips for your orientation

Content Team

16th September 2019

Avoiding Freshers’ Flu…and other tips for your orientation

As traditional as initiations to colleges and making fast friends at orientation parties, freshers’ flu is something all students will have to deal with. A new place – sometimes even a new continent – is bound to mess with your immune system. So, here are a few tips for avoiding the dreaded initiation influenza, allowing you to enjoy your first few weeks at university to the fullest.

Eat well

It may seem like something your mother would say, but seriously – eat well. Make sure you try out all of the welcome offers at your local SU. Locate and plot your route to the local supermarket or grocer’s. Make friends with your dorm-mates and make a plan to share meals. All of these things are essential if you want to eat well and stay healthy at uni. You’re on a budget…obviously! But that doesn’t mean making poor choices.

If your college has a catering option, it’s a little more straightforward. If it doesn’t? Then you have a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills. And remember, food is the way to a person’s heart so if you are cooking up a storm you’ll have new friends flocking at the doors in no time.

Top foods to eat to stave off those nasty germs? Go for a range of vegetables in different colours – variety is the spice of life after all. You may think you can’t afford expensive cuts of meat as a student. You may even be right. However, making veg packed stews or artfully decorated salads with a sliver of chicken can ensure you don’t miss out and get those all important proteins to keep you laughing all the way to Winter break.

Drink well

There will be a million offers for freshers’ in the local bars and clubs. 2 for 1, Ladies night, Happy hour. All of these are great. But a hangover? That’s like knocking down your front door and inviting in all of the potential illnesses into your wobbly immune system.

To avoid getting run down and flaking out before the end of the party there is one rule: pace yourself. Ensure you drink water periodically throughout any night out (and of course, prearrange your taxi home). Have a good meal before you go out, to allow your body time to process any alcohol you consume.

Remember: failing to prepare is preparing to fail. If you know there’s a “can’t miss out” party on a particular night then stock up. Ensure you have a good breakfast available to you the morning after the night before and a drink with added electrolytes to replace those you lose as you dance the night away. Always ensure you stay hydrated, and remember to remove your make-up when you get home to avoid blemishes, too. Do your bit for the environment too: get yourself a cute reusable bottle, and ditch the plastic.

Dress for the weather you have, not the weather you want

So you’ve chosen to study in Canada. That dress, or shirt, may look incredible. THAT person you’ve been dying to meet is going to be there. But the runny nose and streaming eyes you sport with your outfit when you catch a cold won’t allow you to make a lasting impression…well, a positive one anyway. Dress for the weather you have, and save that killer outfit for when it’s summertime and the living is easy.

Get a doctor

Registering with the local healthcare centre may not be top priority, but when your cold turns into a full blown bout of the flu you’re going to want to dose up. If you’ve not arranged your health care then that process will be delayed, leaving you with a serious case of FOMO whilst you lay in bed recovering. Speak to your counsellor, student ambassador or dorm-manager and make sure you have an idea of where to go when a stiff drink or an early night won’t cut it.

Join a team

The great thing about freshers’ week is the enthusiasm bubbling up for you to join all of the university’s teams. Take advantage of the taster sessions and free workouts at the gym. Work out which way of ‘working out’ works for you! Endorphins make you happy, and happy people are healthier. You may not have been a fitness fanatic before starting university, but it’s a great way to meet new people and to improve your immune system at the same time. Have a go…what’s the worst that could happen?

Take it easy

Remember, uni is a marathon not a sprint. Yes, you want to immerse yourself in the university lifestyle during freshers’ week. But there are so many opportunities to get involved throughout the academic year. Getting settled and finding your feet will include going to parties and making friends. Just make sure you also factor in making your room feel homely too though. Find a spot for the endless reading your course will require – a favourite tree to shelter under, or a snuggly chair in the campus coffee shop. Track your route to the gym and back. Relax, and remember: you’ve got all year to have fun. Take your time to get comfortable and ready to learn.

How to… Ace Your University Interview

Content Team

10th September 2019

It used to be that University interviews were reserved for only the most sought-after schools or classes. Before that they were a formality in which students would be inducted into the College of their ancestors with a handshake and a toast. Now, thankfully, the process is a lot more commonplace and a lot more rigorous. From Medicine to Teaching, Dentistry to Business, many universities now require students to present themselves at interview to earn a spot on their course. So, grab a cup of coffee and a note pad and settle in. Here’s some advice on how to wow the panellists and secure your dream place at university.

Understand the process – and prepare

There are many different protocols in place for interviews at Universities. It’s 2019! You could be interviewed by a panel or an individual, in a group or on your own, to measure your mental aptitude for a certain course or your measurable skill in an area of study…the list is almost endless. This can cause understandable stress. The solution? Ensure you understand the process by reading your letter/email carefully, and requesting further detail if required.

Then, leave early to arrive in plenty of time, and grab a bottle of water to calm those nerves and whet your whistle. Understanding the order of the day should allow you to relax and – dare I suggest? – even enjoy the process.

Know your stuff

This may seem incredibly obvious, but you’d be amazed how many people forget the basics. Revision is second nature to modern students and you should utilise this skill for interview. Why do you want to attend this particular college or school? What about the course is particularly attractive to you? Is there a renowned library or theatre you can’t wait to visit on campus? What is impressive to interviewers is passion – something you can’t fake. So, look into the finer details of the programme of study and show off that knowledge in your allocated time with your interviewers. People listen to people who are interested; show off your engagement with their product. It will go a long way.

Be smart

Even if the dress code says ‘smart casual’, err on the side of ‘smart’. As a famous person once said, ‘You can never be overdressed or overeducated.’ And you won’t have the opportunity to become ‘overeducated’ if you don’t dress to impress. Be comfortable, and wear something that gives you confidence. If you’re not a suit-wearer by nature then perhaps opt for smart trousers and a shirt and jumper. If you’re someone who avoids wearing dresses on a regular basis, don’t squeeze yourself into a pencil skirt. Be you…just the smartest version of you. Imagine this is a job interview: you don’t want to add to your nerves by glancing around the waiting room in your scruffs and seeing a sea of shiny shoes.

Be engaging

Manners don’t cost a lot – or anything – but they can be underutilised by many students. Hold open the door for people as you enter the building, smile at the receptionist: these people may be involved in the process, but even if they’re not using your manners will leave a lasting impression. Etiquette (in the UK, at least) dictates that eye contact and a handshake are a symbol of confidence and politeness. But if you are interviewing elsewhere, it wouldn’t harm to look up local culture and find out the appropriate greeting. Use non-verbal feedback to indicate you are listening to the questions and responses of your interviewers – nodding, agreement and eye contact are all sure fire ways to engage your panel.

Ask questions

Many people assume that interviews are all about your answers to questions. In actual fact, thoughtful and considered questions posed by you are equally important. How else will you know if the course, university or country are the right ‘fit’ for you? As much as you want to secure a place, and the university wants the right sort of person on their course, you also want to make an informed decision. So air any concerns and raise any questions you need the answers to. In addition, you will look even more confident and committed if the panellists know that you are a discerning customer choosing their institution.

It may seem a lot to keep in mind, but ensure you follow the steps above to smash the interview. Good luck!

5 Dos and Don’ts for a Successful Personal Statement

Content Team

27th August 2019

5 Dos and Don’ts for a Successful Personal Statement

Writing a personal statement is a rite of passage. In order to apply for most universities – or a whole tranche of them at a time through UCAS – you need to outline the person behind the application in the form of a personal statement or letter of intent. But how can you tell if yours is going to grab the attention of your intended institution for the right or wrong reasons?

Here are 5 handy tips to help you make sure you are a surefire acceptance at the University of your dreams…

1) DON’T simply Google ‘University Personal Statement’ and then follow the proforma word for word.

Yes, the advent of the internet has meant a huge resource is available to students all around the world. And absolutely, you should draw on lots of examples to gain inspiration for your own foray into the world of writing about yourself. But simply following the top result on the world’s most used search engine is not going to gain you kudos with University admissions advisors.

Instead, do some subject or even institution specific research. Then, use that as a framework for your first draft. Do your first choice university have a key phrase used in advertising? Try to paraphrase it. Does your intended course require ingenuity, creativity or a drive for data? Incorporate that into your writing. DON’T simply Google it – if you put more time and effort into the crafting of your work it will show. Who knows? Maybe one day you could be the result when another budding student searches for ‘template personal statement’.

2) DO ask family and friends what they would say are your top qualities.

Many people – students or otherwise – find it incredibly difficult to honestly appraise their strengths and weaknesses. Either modesty or self-esteem prevent us from being able to confidently declare ‘I’m really good at x, y or z!’ So ask someone who knows you really well, and then reflect on their observations. Maybe you do have an eye for finer details that could be described as an ‘interest in the minutiae’, rather than just being ‘fussy’. Perhaps your passion for a particular sport or team could be construed as ‘vigour for life’ rather than fanaticism. Sell yourself, but be honest – and throw modesty to the side in order to ensure you present your best self to your chosen university.

3) DON’T use a thesaurus for every single word in your application.

Learn from the infamous Joey Tribbiani (a f.r.i.e.n.d.s reference that should translate to a modern generation due to the Netflix resurgence of the classic series in recent months). You do not need to replace ‘heart’ with ‘large aortic valve’. Neither do you need to list seven different adjectives to communicate that you are a hard worker.

What you should try to do instead is think of examples of scenarios that prove you have the qualities you are trying to exemplify. A great example would be avoiding the phrase ‘I love reading and going to the theatre’ for an application to study Literature. What would be better is to express that passion through an example of your particular interest in a performance you recently attended as part of your A-Level study. E.g. “The creative license employed by x in the recent adaptation of the ‘Woman In Black’ prompted me to re-read the original; I found the new perspective enlightening.” This not only shows you have a broader interest in story-telling as well as Literature more specifically, it also shows that you have critical reflection skills key to a good candidate for degree level study.

4) DO get someone with good literacy and grammar skills to proof read your personal statement.

If having to choose between there/their/they’re gives you cold shivers, or your/you’re not sure which form of a homophone to use – CHECK! A critical friend is a good friend, and when submitting as crucial a document as your personal statement you will want someone to cast an eye over it first.

You’re going to need to write several drafts before you ‘get it right’, so don’t be afraid to ask people to check it over. Any student going through the application process will be able to empathise, and your teachers know how stressful this can be for you. Asking for the help is the only way to be sure you get it.

5) DO plan ahead.

If you rush your personal statement, it will be obvious. The development of ideas will be patchy and the vocabulary is bound to be repetitive and – dare I say it? – boring. Give yourself plenty of time to plan, canvass for ideas, procrastinate, panic. Once you’ve done all that, write at least two or three drafts before you’re satisfied. For many students, the personal statement is their only opportunity to engage directly with the departments and universities they are applying to. The same level of commitment and attention to detail should be applied to the application itself as to choosing the institutions. Make sure you have planned ahead, and that way you can be sure you have your best foot forward.

So remember…

These hints and tips are a springboard to a successful personal statement. In summary:

- Make sure you sell yourself well – take this opportunity to shine.
- Make it personal – universities appreciate applications with a bit of personality rather than generic formulas and cliches.
- Make it count – you have one shot.